OFCA Committees

Ohio Grandparent Kinship Coalition (OGKC)

• Key Topics: ODJFS rules and licensing/monitoring of kinship care issues; state legislation impacting knship care; kinship care practices around the state
• Chair: Tim Harless, Director of Community Outreach and Programming, Children Services Board of Richland County
• 2018 Meeting Dates: March 28, May 23, July 25, September 26, November 28
• Meetings are held at: Jobs and Family Services, 4200 East Fifth Avenue – Room A119m Columbus, Ohio 43219
• Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm unless otherwise noted
• Email: info@ohiograndparentkinship.org 
• Website: www.ohiograndparentkinship.org

Ohio Adoption Planning Group (OAPG) 

• Key topics: ODJFS rules and licensing/monitoring of adoption services; state legislation impacting adoption; best practices and tips in post adoption programs; adoption practices around the state
• Chair: Jodi Ford Rice, M.A., LSW, Certified Adoption Assessor & OAA Training Coordinator
• 2018 Meeting Dates: February 7, April 4, June 6, September 5, December 5
• Meetings are held at: Worthington Methodist Church, 700 High St. Worthington, Oh 43085
• Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm unless otherwise noted
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OhioAdoption/

Foster Care & Adoption Committee

• Key Topics: ODJFS rules and licensing/monitoring of foster care programs, independent living, and adoption services; state legislation impacting foster care state child welfare initiatives; best practices and tips in foster care programs
• Chair: Kelly Vyzral, OACCA
• 2018 Meeting Dates:
• Meetings are held at: OACCA, 2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 180, Columbus, OH 43231
• Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm (Must be OACCA member or by invitation only)
• Website: www.oacca.org

Ohio Family and Children First Crisis Funding Stakeholder Meeting

• Key Topics:  A provision of the SFY 2018-2019 State Biennium Budget required the creation of a Family and Youth in Crisis funding appropriation of $5M of TANF Block Grant funding from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services budget in each fiscal year shall be utilized to provide services to youth with complex care needs whose parents or legal guardian is at risk of relinquishing custody of the youth to access needed services .
• Chair: Chad A. Hibbs, Director, Ohio Family and Children First
• 2018 Meeting Dates: TBA
• Meetings are held: Teleconference, by invitation only  
• Website: N/A

Foster Care Advisory Workgroup

• Key Topics:  The Foster Care Advisory Group was established per Section 741.10 of the recently passed State operating budget (Am. Sub. H.B. No.49). The purpose of the Foster Care Advisory Group is to advise and assist the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in identifying and implementing best practices to recruit, retain and support foster caregivers.
• Co Chairs: Karen McGormley, ODJFS and Mark Mecum, OACCA 
• 2018 Meeting Dates: Jan 3, Feb 7
• Meetings are held at : 4200 East Fifth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
• Website: N/A

Partners for Ohio’s Families (PFOF)

• Key Topics: Leadership team committed to evaluating ways to sustain innovations linked to successful outcomes for Ohio children and families. 
• Chair: Kristin Gilbert, ODJFS
• 2018 Meeting Dates: TBA
• Meetings are held in Franklin County
• Website: N/A